Pages

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

I'm happy to welcome Megan back to this blog. Megan, why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write contemporary novels about experiences that are common to baby boomers, both the great things like being comfortable in your skin and happy with your life to the secret desires and fears that are universal to adult women. I hope that Searching for Spice and Out of Her Hands reinforce the fact that most people encounter difficulties in their lives, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that all is lost. Life seldom goes according to our neat little plans. But we’re not alone. We have the Lord and we have loved ones to stand with us. We have to draw on our faith to get through difficulties and trust that tomorrow will be a better day.Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

One of the greatest days of my life was my wedding day. It was more than just the beginning of married life, it was also the confirmation of a life of obedience to God. My husband and I had been living together when we both came to know the Lord, and married three weeks later to walk in obedience to Him. Our wedding day was the beginning of an amazing adventure that we’ve been on together for nearly 30 wonderful years.How has being published changed your life?

It’s made me much busier. In addition to writing, now I’ve got to work on marketing my novels. I never anticipated the demand of the business before being published. It’s not all rainbows and cotton candy, it’s simply a lot of hard work. Thank God, I love it.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I’m about to begin reading an Advanced Reader Copy of Brandilyn Collins’ suspense novel Dark Pursuit. I enjoy reading many different genres.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m currently writing a book about a woman who is driving toward empty-nest nirvana but her home is acquiring people faster than it’s launching young adults out into the world.

What would be your dream vacation?

I would love to visit Italy and Ireland, the cultural heritage my children share.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My first two novels were set in the fictional town of Pine Grove, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. I’m planning on continuing to populate that town with more people through my next several novels. The books are not sequels, although the characters in Searching for Spice and Out of Her Hands may stroll though the other books as background characters.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

That answer, without a second thought, is my husband. I’m most myself with him and can share any thoughts and dreams without worrying about how I’m perceived. I guess that’s the reward of loving and being loved so deeply for 30 years.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to try new recipes and keep my yard spruced up in the nice weather. I also love hanging out with my family and friends.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

I’m still learning how best to structure my time. Right now I keep a notepad by my computer and make notes on what I want and need to accomplish for the day/week. It helps to make me feel more confident that I’m not forgetting something that needs to be done.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I think some of the best advice for beginning authors is to be patient with their learning curve, avail themselves to the knowledge of authors who are blazing the way, read books on craft, attend conferences and seminars, and write, write, write.

Tell us about the featured book.

Have you ever heard the expression, “When your children are little they’re on your feet, and when they’re big they’re on your heart?” That’s the way my character feels in Out of Her Hands. Her son's dream girl isn't what Linda had in mind. Between her family, her job, and her friends, life is moving at warp speed, and the direction she thought her life would proceed in has taken a left turn. She’s losing control of her tidy little life and realizing it’s really all out of her hands.

I am at a stage in my life very similar to her book! My sons are getting older and their independence is showing. If they are hurt by life, then I hurt! Please enter me in your delightful drawing. Many thanks, Cindijchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com